Sounders Get Salary Help, Sign Dempsey to New Deal for 2018

TUKWILA, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Sounders have signed forward Clint Dempsey to a one-year deal for the 2018 season that provides more salary flexibility for the club.

Seattle general manager Garth Lagerwey confirmed the new deal with Dempsey on Tuesday, three days after the Sounders stumbled in their attempt to win a second straight MLS Cup title. The Sounders lost to Toronto 2-0 in the final Saturday.

Lagerwey did not get into specifics about Dempsey's deal but did confirm he will be a designated player for Seattle and that the contract is only for the 2018 season. Dempsey's previous contract had a team option for the 2018 season but was more of a hit against Seattle's salary cap.

Dempsey returned from an irregular heartbeat that ended his 2016 season early to lead the Sounders in 2017 with 12 goals in the regular season and three more in the playoffs.